The falling water made such din and roaring that her voice could not be heard.

Cap'n Bill nodded his head, but before he could enter the cave, Button-Bright was before him, clambering down the steps without a particle of fear.

So the others followed the boy.
The first steps were wet with spray, and slippery, but the remainder were quite dry.

A rosy light seemed to come from the interior of the cave, and this lighted their way.

After the steps there was a short tunnel, high enough for them to walk erect in, and then they reached the cave itself and paused in wonder and admiration.
They stood on the edge of a vast cavern, the walls and domed roof of which were lined with countless rubies, exquisitely cut and flashing sparkling rays from one to another.